Optimum drops WFSB-Channel 3 from lineup

On Friday WFSB-Channel 3, the leading television station in the Hartford/New Haven area and the home of CBS in Connecticut was dropped from the th cable company Optimum from Altice lineup for viewers in New Haven and Litchfield counties.

By law, cable companies must negotiate in good faith with television stations before dropping the TV stations’ signals. Optimum from Altice failed to reach an agreement.

WFSB’s programming, including local news, NCIS, Big Bang Theory, and NFL Playoff Football is no longer available on Optimum from Altice systems. WFSB will still be available over-the-air and from all other cable and satellite companies serving Hartford-New Haven.

The following statement can be attributed to WFSB’s general manager Klarn DePalma:

“WFSB has been trying for months to get Optimum from Altice to negotiate seriously” said Klarn DePalma

“But after its transaction with Altice, Optimum is now part of one of the world’s largest cable giants.

“Reaching a deal and ending this blackout is our top priority. We know the vital local news, emergency information, and top-rated sports and entertainment programming we provide are important to Optimum from Altice customers, and we hope Optimum from Altice will make it a priority to reach a deal too.

“If you are an Optimum from Altice customer, you can help by calling Optimum from Altice at 1-203-870-2583. TellOptimum from Altice you want WFSB-TV back on your cable lineup. All of our great local news and the CBS lineup is still available from Dish, DirectTV, and others. WFSB is always available over the air.”

WFSB and its owner, Meredith stand ready, willing and able to reach a fair deal with Optimum from Altice, said DePlama. Meredith has successfully completed hundreds of carriage agreements without being dropped by cable operators.